President Joe Biden has recently implemented a series of policies aimed at both restricting asylum for immigrants at the U.S. border and offering potential citizenship to long-term residents without legal status. These actions come in the midst of criticism of Biden’s handling of immigration, with Americans giving him poor marks on the issue. The policies are seen as an attempt to address concerns from both sides of the political spectrum, with some supporting stricter border enforcement and others advocating for assistance to immigrants already in the country. Biden’s approach reflects his administration’s strategy of using a mix of policies to address issues related to immigration.
Critics, including former President Donald Trump and top Republicans, have accused Biden of facilitating a perceived “invasion” at the border, pointing to record-high numbers of encounters. Biden’s decision to tighten asylum rules is seen as a move to potentially reduce the influx of migrants at the border. On the other hand, offering a path to citizenship for established residents is seen as a way to appease immigration advocates and liberal members of the Democratic coalition who criticized the new border restrictions. The administration’s goal appears to be a balanced approach that addresses multiple facets of the immigration issue.
A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that only about 3 in 10 Americans approved of Biden’s handling of immigration and border security. The poll also noted that roughly half of U.S. adults hold Biden responsible for the current situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, while fewer attributed responsibility to Trump. Biden’s latest actions have garnered support from moderate Democrats like Rep. Tom Suozzi, who emphasized the need for action to address immigration issues and integrate immigrants into society.
Some voters, like Van Callaway from Arizona, have expressed mixed feelings about Biden’s immigration policies. While disappointed in the restrictions on asylum, Callaway is also skeptical about the president’s plan to help legalize spouses of U.S. citizens. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that around 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens and 50,000 children of noncitizen parents will benefit from Biden’s latest action. However, the directive may exclude new arrivals at the border due to other executive actions undertaken by the administration.
The White House has defended its immigration policies by highlighting efforts to secure the border and keep families together in the U.S. These include creating programs for specific nationalities to enter the U.S., expanding temporary work visa programs, and establishing processing centers in countries like Guatemala and Colombia. Despite these initiatives, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has accused Biden of trying to cater to both sides of the immigration debate. Former President Trump has dismissed Biden’s actions as mere showmanship and accused him of offering amnesty to attract votes.
As the 2024 election approaches, voters like Callaway are facing a difficult decision on whom to support. Concerns about both Biden’s and Trump’s approaches to immigration, as well as other foreign policy issues, are weighing heavily on voters’ minds. The balancing act of addressing border security while providing a path to citizenship for long-term residents illustrates the complexity of the immigration debate in the U.S. Overall, Biden’s immigration policies continue to be scrutinized and debated as the administration navigates the challenges of addressing an issue that impacts millions of people in the country.
